DOHA -- Iran, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan have reached an initial understanding to establish a joint digital corridor connecting Central Asia with the Persian Gulf, in a move that could expand regional telecommunications links and create additional routes for cross-border data traffic, Iran's communications minister said Tuesday.

The proposed corridor was discussed during a trilateral meeting between Iranian Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi, Turkmenistan's Communications Minister Hajymyrat Hudaygulyyev and Kazakhstan's Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Doszhan Musaliev on the sidelines of the International Telecommunication Union's Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) in Doha.

The three countries agreed in principle to pursue the initiative, with technical and operational details to be examined in further negotiations before a final agreement is concluded.

The project is intended to use the three countries' geographical positions and existing telecommunications infrastructure to strengthen connectivity between Central Asia, the Persian Gulf and neighboring markets.

The proposal builds on existing regional infrastructure cooperation. Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan agreed in November 2025 to construct an underground fiber-optic communications line between Temirbaba in Kazakhstan and Bekdash in Turkmenistan. A memorandum signed by Kazakhstan's TNS-Plus and Turkmenistan's Turkmentelecom provided for a cross-border cable connection and integration of their backbone networks.

The project is expected to increase international communications capacity and strengthen Central Asia's potential as a digital transit region.

Iran has also previously held discussions with Turkmenistan on expanding telecommunications traffic transit through their territories.

In November 2024, Iranian and Turkmen communications officials discussed opportunities to develop digital infrastructure and facilitate regional data traffic, highlighting the countries' potential role in connecting neighboring markets.

A wider corridor involving Iran could extend these existing links towards the Persian Gulf and provide additional connectivity options for countries seeking alternative international data routes.

Iran's existing telecommunications links with Iraq provide another element of the regional infrastructure network. Iraq's Communications Ministry said in July 2026 that the two countries were connected through six fiber-optic cable crossings and agreed to hold joint technical meetings to exchange expertise and experience in digital transformation.

Alongside the trilateral discussions, Hashemi held bilateral talks with Ghana's Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Minister Samuel Nartey George, offering Iranian technical expertise in artificial intelligence, digital government and telecommunications infrastructure.

Iran proposed cooperation on connecting schools, healthcare facilities and other public institutions in underserved areas of Ghana through fiber-optic and wireless networks.

The proposals also included technology transfers, equipment supplies, workforce training and the possibility of joint investment in producing fiber-optic cables and telecommunications equipment.

The Ghanaian minister welcomed the proposals and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and the exchange of technical expertise. The two sides also discussed cooperation between universities, research institutions and technology companies.

Hashemi invited his Ghanaian counterpart to visit Tehran to examine Iran's technological capabilities and potential areas for joint projects.

In a separate meeting, Hashemi discussed telecommunications cooperation with Ivory Coast's Minister of Digital Transition and Technological Innovation Djibril Ouattara. Areas under consideration included fiber-optic infrastructure, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, with the possibility of developing a memorandum of understanding.

Hashemi also met Iraqi Communications Minister Mustafa Jabbar Sando to follow up on previous bilateral commitments and explore opportunities for Iranian technology companies to expand their presence in Iraq.

The diplomatic activity comes as governments increasingly seek to expand digital infrastructure, improve network resilience and diversify international connectivity routes.

The ITU's PP-26 conference, held in Doha from November 9 to 27, brings together representatives of its 194 member states to determine the organization's strategic priorities and leadership for the coming four years.

The United Nations telecommunications agency has identified infrastructure investment, universal connectivity and network resilience as central issues facing the global digital sector.